Jersey City church hosts St. Anthony feast and procession

The streets surrounding St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Downtown Jersey City were filled today with its members marching in a procession and carrying a statue of St. Anthony.

The parishioners paid tribute to its namesake before holding their 130th annual Feast Day luncheon.

The Polish parish at 330 Sixth St. held a bilingual Mass at 11 a.m., the Rev. Joseph Urban presiding. The procession and feast concluded a three-day prayer period for the saint of lost articles.

The lunches, which sold for $20 each, showcased traditional Polish food.

"We really do this to honor and pay tribute to St. Anthony," said Irene Larkin, a lifelong member of the church who has been attending the feast every year. "The food is always very good. It's the best food in town."

Ann McGovern, who joined the church six months ago, called the event a "welcoming experience."

"It's home and we’re glad we're here today at the feast," she said.

As New Jersey's oldest Polish parish, the church is a registered landmark with the state.